Comfortable Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley

Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp inside your tooth is infected or inflamed. This happens from deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental work. The treatment prevents the infection from spreading and avoids extraction. Key signs include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts, and tenderness or swelling in the gums near the affected tooth. Some people notice the tooth darkening. If you see these signs, seek a dental assessment promptly.

The process focuses on comfort and accuracy. First, you have a 60 minute consultation with 3D CBCT scans to map your tooth roots. Next, the treatment appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic, then place a rubber dam to isolate the tooth. Using a dental operating microscope, Dr. Reddy removes infected pulp, cleans the root canals, and shapes them. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain, and a temporary filling is placed. You will return to your general dentist for a permanent crown.

Post-treatment care is straightforward. For the first 1 to 3 days you may feel mild tenderness or discomfort, which is easily managed with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Your tooth may feel different for a while. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you have a permanent crown, as it is more fragile. You can brush and floss as usual. With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. For instance, a patient from Highgate had a molar treated with the microscope, uncovering a tiny fourth canal. The procedure took about 80 minutes and she was back to normal the next day with only minor tenderness.

Complications are rare, but know what to watch for. Call during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9am to 5pm, Tue Thu 11am to 7pm) if you have severe pain not relieved by medicine, visible swelling in or around your mouth that grows after day 3, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out. If swelling or pain outside hours cannot wait, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

The main alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. While sometimes necessary if a tooth is too damaged to be saved, we always aim to preserve natural teeth where possible. If a tooth is extracted, you would then need to consider a replacement like a dental implant or a bridge to restore function and prevent other teeth from shifting. An implant is a permanent solution but involves surgery and a higher cost. A bridge is faster but requires grinding down adjacent healthy teeth. Root canal treatment, with a success rate of over 90 percent, is often the most conservative and effective long-term solution. In cases where a previous root canal has failed, a procedure called an apicoectomy (root-end surgery) might be an option.

To make an informed choice, here are some questions you should ask any dentist, whether it is us or another practice in the East Finchley area. First, ask about their experience with complex cases and what technology they use, specifically asking if they use a dental operating microscope for all root canals. You should also ask about the expected number of appointments and the total cost, including whether a permanent crown is included in their quote. It's also wise to ask about the long-term success rate for the specific tooth being treated and what follow-up care is required. Finally, inquire about pain management protocols during and after the procedure to ensure you are comfortable.

We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is affected; for instance, molars have more canals and are more difficult to treat than front teeth. During your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed treatment plan with a full, transparent breakdown of all fees. There are no hidden costs. Our practice accepts several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We recommend contacting your provider to understand the specifics of your coverage for endodontic procedures. Our team is happy to assist with any necessary paperwork.